Charles really kept his word.
Over the next few days, whenever he finished his duties as the sheriff, or before he went to work, all his free time was dedicated to teaching.
They both restrained their combat aura, keeping it from flaring out, as ordinary wooden swords wouldn't be able to withstand it—not to mention they were just in the backyard.
But he taught more than just swordsmanship.
He also included training on controlling the aura itself. Even though their aura types were different, there were still some universal techniques that could be applied.
As Su Cheng continued to learn, she began to feel that something wasn't quite right. Some of the content felt like secret family heirlooms that shouldn't be shared with outsiders.
However, Charles brushed it off, saying, "Mother used to teach the guards, and even the talented kids in the nearby villages."
"...Alright then."
Su Cheng had quite a fulfilling time.
The bookstore in Iron Cage Town was surprisingly large. She could even find books on spatial magic and a few forbidden spells related to elemental magic.
Her envisioned relaxing town holiday was completely stuffed with magic and martial arts training.
The owners and staff at the town's alchemy workshops and potion shops had all grown familiar with her. At first, they had gossiped and asked which mercenary group she belonged to.
She didn't know since when, but eventually, they all found out she was a guest of the mayor's family.
Su Cheng was speechless.
In reality, she had only met the Mayor once.
One night, the latter rushed home to have a quick dinner.
After hugging and kissing each of his children, the mayor shook her hand, expressing how honored he was to host a noble mage and telling her to make herself at home.
The man looked incredibly busy. Su Cheng had originally wanted to ask if there were any bandit groups or gathering spots for Dark God cultists nearby.
But she never got the chance to ask.
Su Cheng decided to ask around town a bit more. The next day, she visited the local alchemy shop again. Just as she was chatting with the owner, she heard a greeting from behind her.
The shop assistant was greeting someone at the door.
She turned her head.
The silver-haired young man stood on the steps. His broad shoulders and thick chest filled out his indigo trench coat perfectly. The brass buttons were fastened right beneath his Adam's apple, casting a restrained half-shadow.
The uniform outlined his tall, lean, and muscular physique. Matte leather straps bound his cuffs, revealing hands wrapped in pitch-black leather gloves.
In the sunlight, his hair was bathed in a nearly transparent platinum-blonde hue. "Good day."
His pale eyes looked like a clear sky glimpsed through a layer of ice, with a cold, grayish-blue tint at the edges of his irises.
Su Cheng felt her heart skip a beat. "Good morning, Mr. Sheriff."
Charles curled his lips into a smile, nodding to the shop assistant and owner, before his gaze finally settled on her face.
A part of his jawline was hidden by his popped collar, but the smile and joy on his face couldn't be concealed at all.
"Are you heading back for lunch, Madam Mage?"
Charles asked in a similarly teasing tone.
Su Cheng was amused. "It's not like you're the one cooking—"
"It's me today," he said, glancing at the sky. "Cody went out to play."
He was referring to the older of his two younger brothers, the one who usually handled the cooking.
"Hmm," Su Cheng pondered for a moment, "I loved your wine-braised mussels; that garlic butter sauce was absolutely divine. Oh, and the herb charcoal-grilled lamb chops from the time before last—"
The silver-haired young man nodded slightly. "And for sides and dessert?"
Su Cheng suddenly realized she sounded like a customer ordering at a restaurant.
She felt a bit embarrassed at first, but seeing his completely serious expression, she inexplicably continued, "Mashed potatoes. Mango yogurt pudding."
Charles nodded. "Alright. I'll head back in a bit. If I don't have enough time to make them, I'll buy a portion for you, otherwise you might have to wait a while."
Su Cheng couldn't help but laugh. "Then we might as well just eat out."
She regretted it a little as soon as she said it; he couldn't just ditch his younger brother and sister at home to eat out.
Su Cheng added, "...I mean, we can call Carol and the others, and all go out to a restaurant together."
Charles smiled. "That works too. We'll see how the time goes."
He rested one hand on the sword at his waist. The spiraled hilt rubbed against the pitch-black leather, and the snow-white scabbard gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.
Su Cheng's gaze swept over the sword. "I don't think I've ever seen you use it."
He mused for a moment, "You'll get to see it soon enough. Also, I just saw a traveling merchant who was selling some interesting things."
Charles took a small box out of his coat pocket and handed it to her.
Su Cheng took it and found a ring inside, inlaid with a thick, square-cut crystal.
She could feel the magic contained within it, so she naturally didn't misunderstand his intentions, knowing this was likely a functional piece of jewelry.
"This is a crystal stone from a Wind Beast's lair, formed by absorbing the fluid of their eggs... As long as a wind mage releases a bit of magic power into it, it can provide illumination."
Charles said softly, "Even within certain forbidden domains that suppress light, it will still remain effective. Well, I'm not a mage, but at least that's what the seller claimed."
Su Cheng thought it was highly likely to be true, though it probably depended on the specific situation. "Thank you. Plus, it's very beautiful."
She put the ring on to check the fit. "The size is quite perfect, too."
Charles had seemed a bit tense, but he finally relaxed slightly at this moment. He unconsciously adjusted his gloves, his robust upper arm muscles bulging with clear contours beneath the fitted uniform.
"...That's good," he said in a low voice. "I'll be going now."
The silver-haired young man turned and walked away. The leather belt highlighted his lean, strong waistline, the metal buckles clinking softly. His long legs, clad in crisp riding breeches and leather boots, tapped against the stone steps.
Su Cheng turned back around, only to find everyone in the shop staring at her.
They all seemed to be wearing knowing smiles.
Su Cheng was speechless.
What else could she say?
That this man would bitterly curse me as an arrogant lunatic a thousand years from now? That I would engage in wild, earth-shattering passion with his enemy right inside his temple?
Su Cheng silently bought her things and slipped away.
She enjoyed a rather lavish meal that noon; Charles had clearly skipped out of work early to go home and prepare it.
Because of his job, he actually didn't cook very often.
But compared to his younger brother Cody, he always made sure to prepare everyone's favorite dishes, so the three kids all loved it when their eldest brother cooked.
The following night, Charles took her into the nearby mountains.
The two of them no longer restrained their combat auras and began to fight for real.
"...How destructive is your combat aura?"
The silver-haired young man drew his sword. It was a white, one-handed long blade crafted from beast bone, looking lightweight and elegant, its entire body shimmering with a lustrous, pure glow.
It was the first time Su Cheng had seen this weapon unsheathed. She admired it for a few seconds before drawing her black sword from the crest on her fingertip.
"Quite formidable," she said modestly. "The kind that can easily burn a person to ashes."
"Fire attribute?"
"...No."
The next second, the heavy blade and the long sword clashed in the air. The churning shockwaves shook the space for hundreds of meters around them, causing dirt and rocks to tumble down from the cliff walls.
Two figures crossed paths amidst the peaks. The soaring battle aura split rocks and mountains, slicing through pines and cypresses, causing the entire ground to tremble and shake.
Pitch-black flames crashed down at an angle, smashing a crater tens of meters in diameter into the ground. A silvery-white sword aura slashed horizontally, directly leveling a low peak a hundred meters away.
Shredded wood chips and mountain rocks rained down like a torrential storm.
The ground beneath their feet continuously collapsed, kicking up even more rubble in the clash of their battle auras. A hazy cloud of dust and smoke stretched across the mountains like a thick mist.
Only to be torn apart by blades of energy.
What a peculiar battle aura.
A hint of amazement flashed in the silver-haired young man's eyes. He casually sheathed his sword. The mountain behind him suddenly collapsed, revealing a massive hollow cavity right in the middle.
Su Cheng looked at the spectacle she had created. I have to say, you've taught me a lot. My use of battle aura wasn't this... fluid before.
I lean more toward you being naturally gifted, Charles smiled. Battle auras with peculiar attributes are often quite difficult to master.
Su Cheng thought back to her learning process, and her expression froze for a moment. Thanks.
He caught her expression and seemed to want to say something, but ultimately didn't speak.
The Harvest Festival of Iron Cage Town had arrived.
Dusk dyed half the sky outside the window. Su Cheng was sitting in the guest room reading a book when she was suddenly roused by laughter and footsteps from the stairwell.
Carol held up a lit branch of oil berries, skipped down the steps, and knocked on her door.
Your Excellency! The little girl's face was flushed red. Tonight is the festival, and we can dance in the square later! Do you want to go together?
Su Cheng was a bit reluctant to leave her book, but then she suddenly remembered that there were no adults in this house, only four minors.
She decided to take them over first.
The four children cheered and ran out the door.
The entire town was immersed in a festive atmosphere. The lanterns under the eaves formed a winding river of golden light, and the sound of flutes flowed from the street corners to the square.
By the time they arrived at the square, the Harvest Festival dance had officially begun.
Carol stuck the branch into a bonfire, lifted her skirt, and rushed into the crowd to dance with a group of teenagers.
Corinna quickly joined her sister.
Cody was discussing spices with a barbecue stall owner.
The youngest, Calvin, pulled out a few copper coins and bought a bag of milk dregs candies. He munched on them with relish and reached out to gently tug at her sleeve.
Lord Magician, this is delicious!
The little boy looked up, his eyes sparkling. You should try some too!
It was made from the dregs of boiled fresh goat's milk, mixed with honey and brown sugar, shaped into round balls, and coated with a layer of shredded coconut.
Su Cheng tasted one. It was indeed very sweet, so she bought a bag for herself as well.
The bonfire in the center of the square burned higher and higher, its flames almost reaching the dark clouds in the night sky. The firewood crackled in the wind, sending sparks flying everywhere.
Hundreds of residents were circling the bonfire, smiles beaming on everyone's faces. There were also more small bonfires, with people dancing around them as well.
Calvin, Su Cheng squatted next to him, when is your birthday?
In one month! the little boy answered gleefully. I'll be nine soon! My brothers will make me a crimson cherry cake! You'll be there too, right? You must taste it. Those cherries aren't ripe yet, but they will be the first batch by then...
Su Cheng patted his head. Yes, barring any surprises, I should still be here—
Calvin jumped up and cheered.
...Speaking of which, Carol called it a festival for worship, Su Cheng stood up. Isn't this the Harvest Festival? I thought it was to celebrate the harvest. So who is the object of worship in this festival?
Calvin looked at her while nibbling on a candy ball, seemingly wracking his brain to answer this question, only to find that he couldn't.
That is a name that is no longer allowed to be mentioned.
A deep, gentle male voice rang out through the noisy din.
Su Cheng turned her head.
Charles stood in the firelit night, quietly watching her. ...A certain taboo.
His silvery-white curly hair flowed with a pearl-like luster, and his flawlessly handsome face held a hidden smile, devoid of any warning or anger.
Although I guess, with your curiosity, you will definitely want to know the answer, regardless of whether it is forbidden.
The silver-haired young man took two steps forward and plucked a strand of confetti caught in the girl's hair, his movements incredibly gentle.
Calvin, he looked down at his youngest brother, go to Cousin Kian, okay? He's right up ahead—
Not far away, a blond man was waving at them. He was a stall owner selling various dairy drinks. Calvin cheered and darted over.
Charles sent his brother away, then looked back at the magician in front of him. Or discuss with me whether we should yield to those who want to control us.
Su Cheng looked at him in disbelief. ...What I actually want to say is that no one should forbid us from doing anything, excluding discussions about legal restrictions on citizens.
Charles chuckled. How is that any different from what I said?
Su Cheng crossed her arms. It's more precise.
He nodded. Alright.
The two looked at each other with feigned seriousness for a few seconds.
Then they both couldn't help but laugh.
...Is this how you imagined spending tonight? Su Cheng said helplessly. Discussing taboo subjects with me? By the way, I actually really like it.
Charles nodded without hesitation. If you really like it, then of course I have no problem with it—
Su Cheng sighed. Let's just dance first.
They joined the dance amidst the cheers of the crowd. The steps were very simple, nothing more than stomping, spinning, and clapping, and the rhythm of the drumbeats was bright and joyful.
The surrounding residents sang ancient ballads. Because of their heavy accents, it was a bit hard to hear clearly at first.
She barely made out that they were blessings about barns full of wheat, grass like clouds, and cattle roaming the mountains.
The trailing notes drifted in the night wind.
People's stamina is ultimately limited, and most dispersed when they were out of breath.
Su Cheng didn't feel tired at all. ...This song is incomplete, right?
Yeah, Charles also breathed evenly. The taboo part is missing.
Amidst the lingering sound of bagpipes, she saw the shifting shadows between the man's eyelashes. The halo of the bonfire outlined his perfect facial contours.
And those cold, pale grayish-blue eyes, completely filled with her own reflection.
...What should it be?
Su Cheng couldn't help but ask.
The silver-haired young man softly uttered a string of Elvish.
Because of her previous learning experience, her Elvish proficiency had also improved a lot, so she could basically understand the meaning of this sentence.
Homage to the supreme Lord of Life's Bloom, the Progenitor of Abundance, the Great Rooter, your branches and vines bestow upon us blood.
Su Cheng fell silent for a few seconds.
Good heavens.
Another false god of the void.
Because judging from the godhood and title, not a single one of the existing deities could correspond to it.
Charles cast his eyes down at her. What's wrong?
Su Cheng blinked. You sound very sexy speaking Elvish.
The other person looked at her in astonishment, then a blush crept up his cheeks. "You..."
"Just kidding," Su Cheng looked at him with a beaming smile. "Although it is also the truth. But, how did you know?"
"My family has related ancient texts," Charles fell silent for a moment. "The Wayne family also has some secrets that are only told to the eldest son or daughter."
"Oh," Su Cheng paused. "So, are you going to adopt me?"
Charles: "..."
Unable to bear it any longer, Charles pressed a hand to her head, though he did not use much force. "You really are a strange person."
"Ha," Su Cheng curled her lip. "I believe you will still be saying that a thousand years from now."
Charles obviously could not guess the true meaning of those words.
So he misunderstood.
On his fair, flawless cheeks, a burning redness spread once again. "Then you... um... that person who taught you battle aura..."
Su Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Are you really going to bring up someone else at a time like this?"
She was somewhat surprised by his sharpness; after all, they had never seriously discussed this.
The silver-haired young man deflated slightly. "I do not know, I am just a guy from a small town—"
"Are you serious? I am a homeless wandering mage."
"No," Charles hesitated, wanting to say more. "Your level of magic is enough to earn you a place in any royal court, the Holy Church, or a secret cult—"
"Yeah, as if you aren't a seventh-tier warrior."
"Alright," Charles seemed to want to say something, but then sighed. "I messed up, didn't I?"
Su Cheng pondered for a moment. "Hard to say. I've been through worse."
He was actually amused by that. "So, is it still salvageable?"
Su Cheng reached out and grabbed his collar. "Let me tell you—"
The silver-haired young man obediently lowered his head, watching the girl in front of him get closer and closer.
His heartbeat grew louder and louder. Finally, he even closed his eyes in nervousness, his rosy lips trembling slightly as his breathing quickened.
Su Cheng quietly plucked a tiny piece of confetti from the corner of his eye. "...You can open your eyes now, Lord Sheriff."
Charles: "?"
He saw the scrap of paper resting on the girl's fingertip, and then met those mischievous amber eyes.
Su Cheng: "Pfft."
Su Cheng: "Hahahaha, your expression is too cute—"
The silver-haired young man frowned as he looked at her.
Su Cheng turned and ran.
The very next second, someone grabbed her around the waist from behind and lifted her straight into the air.
She locked eyes with a gaze burning with annoyance.
Charles looked both irritated and confused. "Why didn't you use teleportation?"
"What do you think?" Su Cheng rolled her eyes at him. "Because I just wanted to see you angry. I think you're extremely cu—"
The unspoken words were sealed with a kiss.
